September's Splendour: A Deep Dive into the Sapphire

The Sapphire Story – A Gem of September and Beyond

The arrival of September brings with it the majestic sapphire, a gemstone long associated with nobility, truth, and sincerity. While most are familiar with its iconic deep blue hue, the world of sapphires is a vast and colourful one, offering a palette that perfectly aligns with our brand's appreciation for creative design and rarity.

As the birthstone for September, the sapphire's enduring appeal lies not only in its beauty but importantly, in its incredible durability. Ranking at a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to the diamond, it's a gemstone perfectly suited for daily wear, making it an excellent choice for a cherished piece of fine jewellery.

An Ode to the Australian Sapphire

Australia's volcanic past has blessed us with some of the world's most unique sapphires. These gems, particularly those from New South Wales and Queensland, are known for their rich, deep blue hues. The iron and titanium content that gives them their colour also contributes to their remarkable intensity.

• Australian Blue Sapphire: These gems possess a powerful, dark blue colour that provides a wonderful alternative to the classic diamond. Georgie Harrison’s Metallic Ring and Amy Renshaw’s Drifting Pendant are beautiful examples of how this stone is used to create pieces with a strong, modern aesthetic.
  
  
• The Parti Sapphire: Perhaps the most intriguing of all, the Australian parti sapphire is a one-of-a-kind stone that showcases two or even three distinct colours within a single gem—typically shades of blue, green, and yellow. This natural colour zoning is impossible to replicate, ensuring that every parti sapphire piece is truly unique. You can see this beautiful quality in Melanie Katsalidis's Five Stone Baguette Ring and Kim Victoria's Olea Ring, where the multi-tonal gems are the star of the show. Tessa Blazey also uses one to stunning effect in her Colombia Ring.

The Timeless Elegance of Ceylon Sapphires

Beyond our shores, we look to the historical significance of Ceylon sapphires from Sri Lanka. These stones are celebrated for their vibrant, rich blue colour and superior lustre. Sri Lanka’s sapphire mines are among the oldest in the world and have supplied some of the most famous gems, including those in the British Crown Jewels.

Our artists honour this heritage by using Ceylon sapphires in pieces that combine classic beauty with contemporary design. Take, for instance, Melanie Katsalidis’s Harmony Ceylon Sapphire Ring or Julia Storey's Radiate Ceylon Sapphire Earrings, which perfectly capture the timeless allure of this stone.

Sapphires in All Their Splendour

The world of sapphires extends far beyond blue. These gems, formed from the mineral corundum, can be found in a brilliant spectrum of colours, often referred to as 'fancy' sapphires. From the lush greens in Suzi Zutic’s Ophir Green Sapphire Ring to the delicate pinks used by Karla Way in her Mini Lithic Pink Sapphire Pendant, artists are using this versatility to push the boundaries of design.

Whether celebrating a September birthday or simply seeking a durable and beautiful gem with a unique story, the sapphire collection at Pieces of Eight offers a perfect blend of natural wonder and artistic vision. We invite you to explore these captivating gems in our store or online and find a piece that speaks to your own creative spirit.